Surfshark vs Ivacy
Behind every VPN are choices that impact how you stream, browse, and protect your data. While Surfshark and Ivacy both aim to deliver secure, open internet access, they do so with different strengths and design philosophies.
This comparison unpacks how each provider serves different users, from frequent travelers and remote workers to streaming fans and privacy seekers. We’ll help you navigate their features to determine which VPN matches your specific needs, and where other options might offer unexpected benefits.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Surfshark offers remarkable value, pairing fast performance with a limitless device allowance and a sophisticated feature set.
- Ivacy appeals to budget-conscious users with solid privacy protections and effective unblocking for selected streaming services.
- For users looking for ultra-simple or hardware-based VPN solutions, other alternatives might offer a more tailored experience.
Quick Comparison: Surfshark vs Ivacy
| Feature | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Price (long-term) | ≈ $2.19/mo (multi-year) | Budget‑priced, often sub‑$3/mo |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 5,700+ servers in 50+ countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | Up to 10 |
| Encryption & Protocols | AES‑256‑GCM; OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | AES‑256; OpenVPN, WireGuard; no-logs |
| Streaming Unblock | Excellent (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu…) | Can unblock Netflix & YouTube, HD only |
| Speed & Latency | Up to 950 Mbps on Gigabit; ~7% speed drop | Streams HD (~9 Mbps); slower on P2P (36–40 Mbps) |
| Additional Features | CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, MultiHop, Obfuscation, GPS spoofing | Secure Download malware scan, split‑tunneling |
Overall, Surfshark leads with its superb speed, limitless connections, and cutting-edge features. Meanwhile, Ivacy remains a trustworthy, wallet-friendly pick that meets the needs of less demanding users.
Alternatively, users who value simplicity in setup or prefer a plug-and-play solution for multiple devices might find the Shellfire Box a uniquely convenient option. Unlike traditional VPNs that require installation and configuration on each device, Shellfire’s hardware-based approach can secure an entire home network effortlessly, ideal for households with smart TVs, consoles, and guests.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Server Count | 3,200+ | 5,700+ |
| Countries Covered | 100+ | 50+ |
| RAM-only Servers | Yes | Not stated |
| Obfuscation Supported | Yes (NoBorders) | Some servers |
With over 100 countries covered and RAM-only servers for secure session data handling, Surfshark is optimized for users demanding both reach and cutting-edge security. Ivacy boasts more servers in total, but they’re concentrated in fewer locations, favoring users focused on popular regions like the US, UK, or Australia.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard Peak | Up to ~950 Mbps | ~50% speed drop on long-haul |
| Average Drop | ~7–17 % slower than baseline | ~50 % drop on overseas servers |
| Streaming Rate | Uncapped, Gigabit | HD quality (≈9 Mbps) |
When it comes to raw speed, Surfshark sets a high bar. With speeds reaching nearly 950 Mbps on WireGuard and only a minimal drop from the user’s baseline, it’s clearly designed for demanding users, gamers, streamers, and remote workers alike. In contrast, Ivacy performs capably for daily tasks and standard-definition streaming, but its speeds decline significantly across long distances, making it less ideal for heavy data use or large-scale transfers.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES‑256‑GCM | AES‑256 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Obfuscation | NoBorders, Camouflage Mode | Selective obfuscation, some stealth servers |
| No‑Logs Audits | Cure53, Deloitte | No independent audit found |
Security-wise, Surfshark delivers enterprise-grade protection with AES‑256‑GCM encryption and advanced obfuscation methods such as Camouflage Mode. Its transparent no-logs policies are confirmed by independent audits, reinforcing user trust. Ivacy also employs robust encryption but lacks publicly available audit results and offers more limited obfuscation, which could be a concern for users needing consistent anonymity under scrutiny.
These factors, particularly audit transparency and obfuscation reliability, are critical across the board and have similarly played a major role in other comparisons involving top-tier providers. Users interested in how other services like NordVPN and CyberGhost measure up in these areas might find further insights in our dedicated analysis.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix, Disney+, Hulu | Reliable HD/4K access | Works with Netflix & YouTube; HD only |
| Stability | Low jitter, high consistency | Occasional buffering abroad |
| Quality | Up to 4K+ | Generally capped at 1080p |
Streaming fans will appreciate Surfshark’s consistent ability to unlock a wide range of platforms with impressive resolution and low buffering. It’s a go-to solution for cord-cutters aiming for 4K+ content without compromise. While Ivacy supports Netflix and YouTube, resolution is limited to HD and may suffer abroad, which is something to consider for international access.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Full support | Full support |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox |
| Streaming Devices & Consoles | Smart TVs, FireStick, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Smart TVs, FireStick (limited) |
| Router Support | Native apps & manual setup | Manual config |
Both providers support major platforms and mobile OSes, but Surfshark edges ahead with wider compatibility on gaming consoles and smart TVs, plus easy-to-use router apps. Ivacy gets the basics right but requires manual setup in more complex environments.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| China | Works with NoBorders and Camouflage | Some stealth servers, inconsistent |
| Russia/Iran | Obfuscation available | Limited obfuscation |
| UAE/Turkey | Reliable access | Mixed results |
In regions with high censorship, Surfshark stands out with consistent access thanks to features like Camouflage Mode and NoBorders. These modes help bypass deep packet inspection and restrictive firewalls. Ivacy offers some obfuscation, but its reliability in these regions is inconsistent, making it less dependable for users needing guaranteed access behind digital barriers.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Clean, modern, beginner‑friendly | Simple, slightly dated |
| Connection Stability | Robust, few drops | Generally stable, occasional hiccups |
| Extra Tools | Ad‑blocker, split tunneling, kill switch | Split tunneling, kill switch |
Surfshark delivers a refined and modern user experience with easy navigation, clean aesthetics, and seamless setup, even for VPN beginners. Tools like the kill switch and ad-blocker are integrated cleanly. Ivacy, while still user-friendly, lacks the visual polish and depth of tools that power users might expect.
That said, users who prefer to avoid complex software entirely might lean toward the Shellfire Box. Its web-based control panel and automatic configuration eliminate the need for app installations or manual setup, offering an intuitive VPN experience that works equally well for tech-savvy users and beginners alike.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | 24/7, fast responses | 24/7, slower replies |
| Email/Ticket | Replies within hours | Replies may take 24+ hours |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive guides & FAQ | Basic tutorials |
For users who value responsive and helpful support, Surfshark excels with quick, around-the-clock live chat and a well-stocked knowledge base. Ivacy offers similar channels, but response times and the depth of documentation may leave advanced users wanting more.
Additional Features
| Feature | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Multihop | Yes | No |
| Ad/Malware Blocker | CleanWeb | Secure Download Scan |
| GPS Spoofing | Yes (Android) | No |
| Dedicated IP | Available | Available |
Surfshark includes a robust suite of privacy and usability extras, from multihop routing for added anonymity to GPS spoofing on Android. These features create a more secure and versatile browsing experience. Ivacy offers practical basics like malware scanning and dedicated IPs but misses out on some of the more innovative capabilities.
Still, if the goal is to secure multiple devices without configuring features individually, our Shellfire Box may offer a compelling alternative. Its ability to encrypt all traffic in a network from a single point provides convenience and uniform protection, especially useful for families or shared environments.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Surfshark | Ivacy |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting/P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget Users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship-heavy Regions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
Surfshark dominates the streaming category with unmatched access to 4K content on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, combined with smooth playback and minimal buffering. It’s ideal for serious streamers who won’t compromise on quality or variety. Meanwhile, Ivacy holds its own for casual viewers who primarily use Netflix or YouTube and are content with HD resolution and occasional buffering.
That said, streaming quality and platform accessibility can vary significantly among providers. For those comparing options like Surfshark and CyberGhost, additional performance details are available in our focused evaluation.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
With top-tier WireGuard speeds, split tunneling, and an automatic kill switch, Surfshark is the go-to VPN for frequent torrent users. Its performance remains consistent even during large file transfers. Ivacy supports P2P but is noticeably slower, better suited for light or infrequent torrenting.
Best VPN for Gaming
Gamers will benefit from Surfshark’s low-latency, high-bandwidth connections, which minimize lag and ensure stable performance across long distances. Ivacy is acceptable for local or casual gaming but may fall short in more demanding multiplayer scenarios due to latency issues.
Alternatively, if you prefer to secure your console or gaming PC without installing software or navigating VPN settings, the Shellfire Box offers an elegant solution. It encrypts your connection directly at the router level, ensuring your gaming setup remains both protected and uninterrupted, all without sacrificing ease of use.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Thanks to robust encryption, audit-backed privacy, and obfuscation modes, Surfshark is a solid choice for professionals working remotely, especially in regions with limited internet freedom. Ivacy meets the basics but doesn’t offer the same level of transparency or stealth required for secure and reliable remote access.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
For users with strict financial constraints, Ivacy offers one of the most affordable long-term pricing plans in the industry while maintaining essential VPN functions. However, Surfshark presents a strong value proposition by delivering more features for just a slightly higher cost, making it the better investment for those who want a richer experience.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
In countries with stringent online restrictions, Surfshark provides dependable performance thanks to NoBorders and Camouflage modes, which bypass advanced censorship. Ivacy may function in some restricted environments but lacks consistency and the advanced tools required to reliably stay connected under tight control.
Conclusion
Surfshark clearly emerges as a top-tier VPN, delivering blazing-fast speeds, extensive global coverage, verified no-logs security, and a powerful set of privacy tools. Its performance across streaming, torrenting, gaming, and remote work makes it an excellent all-around solution. The intuitive apps and features like CleanWeb and GPS spoofing offer extra convenience for both casual users and seasoned pros.
On the other hand, Ivacy continues to serve as a solid, cost-effective VPN for users with basic needs. It covers the fundamentals of privacy and unblocking without overwhelming complexity, making it a good entry point for those just getting started with VPNs.
However, for those prioritizing maximum ease of use, effortless home-wide protection, and hardware-level simplicity, both the Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box stand out as worthy alternatives. With their plug-and-play setup and seamless integration across all devices, they offer a streamlined way to safeguard your entire digital environment, especially for users who value convenience without compromising on core VPN benefits.
